Air ConditionerDevice used to control temperature, humidity, and cleanliness of air in a conditioned space.

Air ConditioningControl of the temperature, humidity, air movement, and cleaning of air, in a confined space.

Air DiffuserGrille designed to direct airflow in desired pattern.

Air HandlerParts of a system including the fan-blower, filter and housing. The portion of the central air conditioning or heat pump system that moves heated or cooled air throughout a home’s ductwork. In some systems a furnace handles this function.

AshraeAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Backdraft DamperA damper with blades actuated by gravity, spring loading or counter balancing, permitting air to pass through them in one direction only.

Bird ScreenA versatile product that can be used in a variety of commercial, residential and industrial applications. Primarily used in the HVAC industry as a means to keep birds, rodents and other creatures out of exterior openings in duct systems.

Blast GateBlast gates are used to focus a dust collection system’s vacuum pressure for maximum dust (or other material) extraction at the desired location. Blast gates are positioned near individual pieces of machinery and operate by being, by default, closed — blocking air flow. When one blast gate is opened, all available suction is focused at that location, maximizing the amount of material collected.

BTUBritish Thermal Unit. Measures the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Bullnose TeeA tee with a branch with a larger diameter than the main. For example a 8/8/12.

Burner
The device that facilitates the combustion of air and gas.

Butyl Gasket
A one component non-drying permanently flexible material designed for sealing rigid and expansion joints between wood, glass, metal and masonry surfaces without a primer.

Canvas Connector
Also known as a flex connection, the canvas connector is a strip of metal followed by a strip of canvas material followed by another strip of metal. Utilized to isolate vibration and thus noise from the unit to the ductwork.

Carbon Monoxide
Colorless, odorless and poisonous gas(CO) produced when carbon or carbonaceous fuels are burned with too little air.

Celsius
A temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure.

Chiller
A heat exchanger using air, refrigerant, water and evaporation to transfer heat (BTUs) to produce air conditioning (measured in tons). A chiller is comprised of an evaporator, condenser and compressor system.

Comfort Zone
Area on psychometric chart which shows conditions of temperature, humidity and sometimes air movement in which most people are comfortable”

Companion Ring
A heavy duty ring usually constructed of black iron used to connect pipe and fittings. Can be swedged, tack welded or fully welded onto pipe or fittings.

Compressor
A mechanical device where the refrigerant is compressed from a lower pressure and lower temperature to a higher pressure and higher temperature. The compressor maintains a low pressure in the evaporator by continually removing refrigerant vapors. This low pressure, low temperature vapor is then compressed into a higher pressurize, hot refrigerant vapor which leaves the compressor and travels to the condenser. The motor in the compressor is the main consumer of energy in the chiller system. The energy used by the compressor is dependent on the pressure increase. The head pressure divided by the suction pressure or the condenser pressure divided by the evaporator pressure expresses this. If the compressor operates out of its original design, it will effect the energy consumption.

Concentric
Centered

Condensate
A fluid formed when a gas is cooled to its liquid state

Condensation
Liquid or droplets which form when a gas or vapor is cooled below its dew point

Condenser
The part of a refrigeration mechanism which received hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor and cools gaseous refrigerant until it returns to a liquid state”

Condensor Fan
Electric motor and fan blade used to move air through air-cooled condenser

Conical
A tap or takeoff increasing in size at the base to maximize airflow.

Contractor
A switch that can repeatedly cycle, making and breaking an electrical circuit. When sufficient current flows through the A-coil built into the contractor, the resulting magnetic field causes the contacts to be pulled in or closed.

DamperA damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler, or other air handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning (heating or cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control. Its operation can be manual or automatic. Manual dampers are turned by a handle on the outside of a duct. Automatic dampers are used to regulate airflow constantly and are operated by electric or pneumatic motors, in turn controlled by a thermostat or building automation system.

Dehumidifier
A device that removes humidity, or moisture, from the air.

DieformA two piece stamped elbow that is welded together on the throat and heel to make it airtight.

DiffuserA grille over an air supply duct with vanes that distribute the discharging air in a specific pattern or direction.

Double Wall Duct
Ductwork that is fabricated from 2 layers of metal with a layer of insulation in between. The inner wall may be perforated for sound attenuation or solid to prevent thermal loss. A layer of film may be added in some cases to ensure no insulation enters the air stream.

Drain Pan
Also a condensate pan. As the refrigerant vapor is liquefied, the drain pan collects the condensate and funnels it to the drain line.

Duct CapA reusable plastic bag with an elastic band sewn on the open end. The duct cap will keep dust and other construction debris out of the ductwork during the construction process.

Duct SealerA caulking either water or solvent based that when applied to connections or penetrations in HVAC systems seals gaps to ensure a minimum of air leakage.

Ductwork
A network of metal, fiberboard or flexible material flowing throughout a space which delivers air from an HVAC unit to the respective zones of a home or office.”

E-Z FlangeA system used to connect spiral pipe and fittings through the use of flanges, gasket and barrel clamps.

E-Z TapThe E-Z Tap takeoff collar has a one inch flange turned out. This one piece design add rigidity to the collar. There is a double faced gasket applied to the flange to assure a tight seal. Just peel, stick and fasten with sheet metal screws.

Fahrenheit
A temperature scale in which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees at normal atmospheric pressure.

Fahrenheit Scale
On a Fahrenheit thermometer, under standard atmospheric pressure, boiling point of water is 212 degrees and freezing pint is 32 degrees above zero”

Fan
A device that creates air flow.

Fan Coil
An indoor component of a heat pump system, used in place of a furnace, to provide additional heating on cold days when the heat pump does not provide adequate heating.

Filter
A device that acts like a strainer to remove dirt or undesired particles.

Gorelock
An airtight standing seam connection used to join gores of elbows or other fittings.

Heat
Form of energy which acts on substances to raise their temperature; energy associated with random motion of molecules

Heat Exchanger
Device used to transfer heat from a warm or hot surface to a cold or cooler surface. (Evaporators and condensers are heat exchangers).

Heat Pump
Compression cycle system used to supply heat to a temperature-controlled space. Same system can also remove heat from the same space

HETOHigh Efficiency Takeoff. This tap used on rectangular duct is designed with an increase on the upstream side of the fitting, this design allows the maximum amount of air to flow downstream making the system much easier to balance and saves energy.

High Efficiency Air CleanerAn air filter installed in your central system that collects up to 99% of particles 5 microns or larger. In comparison your standard air filter only picks up about 8% of these same particles.

Humidity
Moisture. Dampness in air.

HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Kilometer
Metric unit of linear measurement = 1000 meters.

Louvers
Louvers are very similar to dampers except that the slats or vanes are usually fixed and non adjustable. Louvers are normally installed into a wall or other location to provide positive ventilation for a room or enclosed area. Louvers are available in all shapes, sizes and flow capabilities. They are typically fabricated from aluminum or galvanized steel.

Media
The fine material of a filter that traps dirt, dust, mildew and bacteria.

Neoprene
Synthetic rubber which is resistant to hydrocarbon oil and gas

Nonferrous
Group of metals and metal alloys which contain no iron

Operating CostThe day-to-day cost to run your home comfort system, based on the energy required to run it.

Operating PressureActual pressure at which the system works under normal conditions. This pressure may be positive or negative (vacuum).

Opposed Blade DamperA damper, 1 through which the airflow is adjusted by means of two sections of damper blades on a common linkage, arranged so that adjacent blades rotate in opposite directions.

OrificeAn opening or hole.

Paint GripAlso known as Galvanealed or Paint Lock material. Paint grip material is carbon steel coated with zinc on both sides by the continuous hot dip process and then subjected to an in line heat treatment that converts the entire coating to a zinc-iron alloy. This results in a matte finish which makes the steel suitable for painting without further treatment.

Pair of PantsAlso know as a “Y” fitting because of its shape, the pair of pants fitting is a main going in and two branches coming off at either 45 or 90 degree angles in relation to the main.

Parallel Blade DamperA damper, 1 through which the airflow is adjusted by means of sections of damper blades on a common linkage, arranged so that adjacent blades rotate in parallel direction.

PumpAny one of the various machines which force a gas or liquid into — or draw it out of – something as by suction or pressure.

PVCPolyVinyl Chloride. A coating added to galvanized metal that gives it added resistance to chemicals and moisture.

R-22Monochlorodifluoromethane…Low temperature, used in HVAC and occasionally coolers.

Radiant HeatingHeating system in which warm or hot surfaces are used to radiate heat into the space to be conditioned.

Radius ElbowAn elbow that has a rounded throat and heel.

Rain CapAlso known as a china cap, the rain cap is used at the top of a round stack to keep rain and snow from entering the pipe.

RefrigerantSubstance used in a refrigeration mechanism. It absorbs heat in evaporator by a change of state from a liquid to a gas and releases it’s heat in a condenser as the substance returns from the gaseous state back to a liquid state

RegisterCombination grille and damper assembly covering an air opening or the end of an air duct

Register TakeoffA box that mounts on round pipe allowing a rectangular register to be installed to it.

Seal
A seal is a tight and perfect closure (as against the passage of gas or water) or a device to prevent the passage or return of gas or air into a pipe or container.

SEERSeasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A rating system developed by the U.S. Government to indicate the efficiency level of cooling equipment.

SensorA device that reacts to a change in conditions.

Shoe TapA takeoff that is increased on the upstream side of the fitting.

Single Blade DamperA damper through which the airflow is adjusted by means of a single blade or piece of metal on a single shaft.

Sky BlastSemi-circular flaps (butterfly damper) cover the exhaust stack when the fan is off. When the fan is on, flaps are forced out of the way to provide a clear path for air movement. A built-in gutter system is designed to prevent rain and snow from entering the stack. Made from galvanized spiral pipe for strength and durability.

Slip and DriveA transvers connection for rectangular duct and fittings by means of a drive cleat and a slip. On the drive, the ends are mated together and the drive cleat is pounded on from one end. On the slip, the ends of the duct are inserted into the open ends of the s-shaped piece.

SMACNASheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association

Spiral PipeRound ductwork formed from a coil of metal into a rigid tube with a 4-ply lockseam. It has a smooth interior for low friction loss with the grooved seam entirely on the outside. The pipe has a resistance to crushing approximately 2.5 times that of longitudinal lockseam or welded pipe.

Split SystemAn outdoor unit combined with an indoor unit.

Squirrel CageFan which has blades parallel to fan axis and moves air at right angles or perpendicular to fan axis

StandoffsOr insulation standoffs are used to extend damper handles so they remain accessible when ductwork is wrapped with insulation.

Swedged SaddleA takeoff that has a 5/8″” flange to connect it to the main pipe.

TDCTransverse Duct Connection is a connection system for rectangular ductwork that is formed directly onto the ductwork. This provides a solid metal connection that reduces leakage. Used in leau of external 4 bolt add ons TDC saves the time of cutting, assembling and installing a separate flange. A TDC connection is completed by installing the corners, applying gasket to the flange, mating it to another flange, placing nuts and bolts in the corners, and installing cleats at 6″” intervals along the flange. TDF is another variation of this system.

TEK ScrewsSelf-drilling screws are similar to sheet metal screws but have a drill point instead of coming to a sharp point and will drill their own hole. This eliminates the need to pre-drill a pilot hole.

TemperatureDegree of hotness or coldness of an object or location measured on a definite scale.

Temperature-Humidity IndexActual temperature and humidity of air sample compared to air at standard conditions.

Thermal RelayHeat-operated electrical control used to open or close a refrigeration system electrical circuit. This system uses a resistance wire to convert electrical energy into heat energy.

ThermometerMeasures and evaluates temperature.

ThermostatSensors that monitor and control the output of an HVAC system.

Ton of RefrigerationRefrigerating effect equal to the melting of 1 ton of ice in 24 hours. This may be expressed as follows: 288,000 Btu/24 hr., 12,000 Btu/1 hr, 200 Btu/min.

TransitionA fitting that increases or decreases the duct size.

Turning VaneTurning vanes are curved fins of metal placed inside ductwork where air is changing direction, used to promote a more uniform airflow and decrease turbulence Turning vane and rail are recommended for use in square throat elbows and tees. When using turning vane and rail performance is greatly enhanced in the HVAC system.

VacuumA space where the pressure is significantly below that of standard atmospheric pressure.

Zip ScrewsSelf-drilling screws that come to a sharp point allowing the screw to penetrate the metal easily which eliminates the pre-drilling of holes.

ZoningA system that divides a home, office or space into different regions in order to better control the temperature and effectiveness of a heating and cooling system.

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